Shut Up and Pray!

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12

The power of a praying wife!! Yesterday I was once again struck by this. Without listing details (I don't want to embarrass him), there was something I thought my husband should be doing. But nagging (my way of encouraging) only makes it worse. So awhile back I shut-up and started praying about it. Well, lo and behold...it was presented to him. He told me it had been offered, and I had to struggle to keep my mouth shut to start in my "you really should, it would be good, etc, etc." Well, he surprised me last night (I had forgotten about it) to say he was going to.

I mention this to tell you the power of a praying wife. I know us wives are NOT perfect. But are husbands aren't either. And there are many areas of our husbands lives I am sure we want to see change in (and picking up his clothes doesn't count!). These are major areas; spiritually, financially, physically (health), etc. And like I said, nagging is not encouragement (sorry ladies!) But praying quietly about it with God can do 1 of 2 things; change your heart, or change his. It doesn't happen over night, but I have seen changes in the way we view finances, job issues, family things, church, etc. Some of these changes have majorly affected my life too-like moving-but the end result is so much better. So try it...you never know how God will work.

Managing Kids' Fevers and Medicine Doses

We've had bouts with fevers this winter/spring, and, with multiple children needing various dosages of medicine at various times, we've started a new habit I highly recommend:

We keep a stack of blank index cards and a pen with the Tylenol and Motrin. As soon as a child starts running a fever and needs some medicine, I write down the time, dose, and which medicine was given. This is especially helpful if my husband and I are taking turns in the middle of the night; each of knows exactly what was given the previous round. Since you can alternate medicines like Tylenol and Motrin, this ensures we don't double up on one accidentally. It also helps my husband keep straight the various dosages. We also include what the fever was at the time the medicine was given. Then, if you have to call the doctor, you have all the relevant information written down instead of floating around in the Mommy Brain Vortex/Black Hole!

We also try to give medicine to all three kids at the same time. For instance, say Twin A is running a fever, Twin B is mighty cranky (and since they share eating utensils, it's only a matter of time before the fever descends), and Toddler is wanting to go to bed instead of eating dinner. I just give them all Tylenol at the same time so that we're on the same schedule.

Tea Bag: Endurance

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

One of my all-time favorite verses. I am so tired right now, from soccer, pre-school, coops, 2 yr old not sleeping, husband traveling, etc. It's that time of year. So if you are feeling a little sluggish, hang in there. Let's soar together.

Savoring a Cup of Tea: Running the Race

In a few weeks, I am going to be running a 5k. This is the longest "marathon" type run I have ever done, but I think it would be fun to do another sometime. (Yes, I know 5k is only 3 miles...I'm still getting back in shape!)

But did you know how many verses in the Bible talk about running a race, and not just a physical one. This spiritual race we are running can be soooo tiring, and physically taxing. A few weeks ago our pastor told us about a survey where (I hope I get this right) the majority of pastors burn out (I want to say 80% but can't remember). They feel unappreciated, overworked, under payed. Something like 60% ended up having affairs or divorces. These are key men who are supposed to really help share, and teach the gospel. He didn't even mention missionaries.

One of the biggest factors he also mentioned, that is true for us too, is that pastors, and others end up spending hardly any "personal" time with God. Obviously they have to open the Bible for their sermon, but not for personal growth and quiet time. We get caught up in what we think is necessary and avoid the biggest part of growing our faith.

Betsy has mentioned Barbara Barker before (her book is our current resource book.) I have heard other women even say about her, they are amazed that when she speaks, how many verses from the Bible she quotes off the top of her head. That only comes from spending time in the Bible and taking the time to commit it to memory.

So without further ado, here is probably not an exhausted list, but a good one of verses in the Bible talking about running our race:

Psalm 19:5b (David talking about God's glory) like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

Proverbs 4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Galatians 5:7-8 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? that kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

Philippians 2:16 As you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Going Green, part 2: Children's Clothes and Toys

To see the first "Going Green" post and links to subsequent ones, click here.
This post is in honor of my sister who has been a great example and enabler of recycling/reusing children's clothes and toys.

When I (Betsy) got pregnant with my first child, I didn't register (nor did I with my twins). My friends couldn't understand why not. Well, the answer was simple: we didn't need very much stuff. Why not? Because we were given a boatload of hand-me-downs: walker, stroller/carseat, pac-n-play, crib, changing table, rocker/glider with ottoman, clothes, toys, etc.

Well, we must just have had really generous friends, right? That is true in part. However, those items came from many different sources, including my in-laws (my children have all slept on my husband's crib and been changed on his old changing table!) and my sister, who loaned us some stuff in between her own children needing it.

If you're expecting a child and/or already have young children at home, consider some of the following strategies for reducing, reusing, and recycling your children's stuff. Remember, your young children, especially, won't know the difference between brand new and used. Your older children can benefit from having parents who refuse to run out and buy the latest, greatest whatever and instead choose to get it (usually in the same condition) a little later from someone else. Keep toys and baby gear to a minimum (which is hard to do, I know--even a few toys seem like a lot when they're scattered across the floor).

1. Consignment sales (these are becoming more and more abundant; consign your old stuff and buy the next batch/season's worth of stuff for your children; I have gotten some amazing deals on some beautiful clothes this way!)
2. Trade (we trade back and forth with some of our neighbors all the time; our children are all stair stepped in age, so when one child is through with a toy or item of clothing, it gets passed to the next one in line--and sometimes back to the original family when their next child is old enough. This has worked so well that this past winter, one neighbor and I actually just swapped winter wardrobes. My daughter wore her older daughter's last winter things, and her younger daughter wore my daughter's last winter things.)
3. Borrow (we've borrowed my sister's walker, for instance, and are about to give it back!)
4. Hand-me-downs (this can work for everything from a cherished, hand made Easter dress to a pac-n-play to junky play clothes; these are things you don't intend to get back/don't have to give back to the giver)
5. Online Used/Consignment (Craigslist and ebay are two models of this; I got my boys an entire matching wardrobe for spring/summer off of 2 craigslist postings this year!)

Note: car seats are not good items to buy from an unknown source in case they were in a car when the car was in an accident. Also, some states have laws for the age of the car seat.

Savoring a Cup of Tea: Fruit of the Spirit (Kindness)

Check the "Savoring a Cup of Tea" index in the margin for links to other posts in this category.

Kindness is another lost virtue in our society; as a result, when this fruit of the Spirit is present in someone, it really stands out! I Corinthians 13 includes kindness as one of the first things love is: "Love is patient; it is kind...".

I think kindness is particularly in need with our living companions (husbands, roommates, children, etc.) and with the perfect stranger with whom you cross paths during your daily routines (grocery store clerks, mailman, bus driver, dry cleaner, etc.). Smile the next time you're checking out at the grocery store, dropping off the dry cleaning, going through the drive thru window; be polite and cheerful the next time you make a phone call to reserve a rental car or make a doctor's appointment.

When we are tired or frustrated with life in general, kindness seems to fly out the window, especially in relation to those in our own home. We are often nicer to our girl friends than to our husbands. So, as you pray for this fruit of the Spirit to be more manifest in your life, think of ways to demonstrate kindness to those you love most.

What is kindness? Dictionary.com lists several synonyms for "kindness": generosity, sympathy, compassion, tenderness. For "kind," it says the following: "Kind, gracious, kindhearted, kindly imply a sympathetic attitude toward others, and a willingness to do good or give pleasure. Kind implies a deep-seated characteristic shown either habitually or on occasion by considerate behavior."

Top Five Baby Shower Gifts

Got a baby shower coming up? The following are suggestions of items both Carrie and I have given and received that have been most appreciated. (Note that there are no clothes or toys on this list; these will always be given by someone--you can branch out!)

1. Books! Can't go wrong here--stick with board books because they'll be the easiest for little hands in the beginning; look for simple, bright illustrations/photographs and short, simple text.
2. "Receiving Blanket Wrap-Up": this is Carrie's ingenious creation. Take a receiving blanket (these frequently come in multi-packs; just use the extras for the next gift) and use it as your wrapping paper. Spread it out and place in the middle an assortment of practical baby toiletry items (shampoo, soap, diaper rash cream, etc.). Pull up the corners of the blanket and tie with yarn or a brightly colored ribbon. Slide a small teething toy through the yarn to dress it up.
   
3. Diapers! Sounds boring, but oh, so appreciated. Size 2 is a safe bet since so many babies rapidly go through size 1.
   
4. Eating Essentials. For a new mom, this can be a great, practical gift. She won't need it right away, but eventually the following will be invaluable: spoons, bowls, cups, bibs, etc. She'll also appreciate having an experienced mom give her the kinds that work best.
5. Giftcards. When in doubt, this is a perfectly acceptable way to go. Sometimes new parents can use several gift cards together towards one larger product (stroller, car seat, etc.). Babies R Us is probably the safest choice; Target and Wal-Mart are great second choices (these places all carry diapers, so at the very least the new parents can buy more of these!).
   

5 More Ways to Avoid Birthday Gifts-Part 3

Betsy gave some suggestions of what to give when the invitation to a party says "no gifts." Here are some other ideas to help avoid buying a new toy chest.

1. Instead of gifts, ask for books only (many can be found for around $5 or less.)
2. Ask for books/toys for donations to a local charity.
3. Do a toy swap-each child bring a non-gender toy and each gets to pick one to take home with them (eliminates party favors too!)
4. Have each child bring a party favor to share-like above, everyone gets something.
5. Don't have a party: Birthday parties is a whole new blog, but you don't have to have one every year!

Top Ten Children's Birthday Presents, part 2

These are some good birthday present suggestions for young children (say, through early elementary) whom you know well (i.e. your own children, your nieces/nephews, your grandchildren, perhaps children of close friends). If you need some suggestions for children who are mere friends, see part 1. If in doubt that the child in question is still "into" something or wearing a particular size, you can always check with the parent.

1. Nice books (in addition to fun stories, think about children's encyclopedic books--like ones on animals, dry-erase activity books which teach drawing/writing, or nice editions of classics)
2. Subscription to a children's magazine (like Cricket, Click, Ladybug, etc.)
3. Pass to zoo, museum, or other such destination
4. Additions to an existing collection (such as Hot Wheels, Geo Trax/Thomas train sets, doll house furniture, etc.)
5. Constructive toys (blocks, Legos, Tinker Toys, etc.)
6. Arts and crafts supplies (Color Wonder equipment, drawing paper, colored pencils, even a fun smock or craft kit)
7. Something homemade (if you're good at something, use that gift! My own children have received very cool board books illustrated by one grandmother who's an artist, a darling smocked dress by one grandmother who sews well, mugs painted by their very talented and crafty aunt, wooden puzzle made by their dad, etc.)
8. Complete outfit in current or upcoming size (i.e. matching shorts and shirt, even pajamas)
9. Bug jar/butterfly garden (these can be found at pet stores as well as at Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, etc.)
   
10. Age-appropriate quality movies or CD's (perhaps a favorite of your own family's, a classic, or simply one you know the child would like)
    

Tea Bag: Building Others Up

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

What is coming out of your mouth (especially when your children and husband are in the room)?

Top Five Children's Birthday Presents, part 1

When an invitation to a young child's birthday says "no gifts necessary" or something to that effect, no one seems to take it seriously...except perhaps yours truly. Since I (Betsy) hope people take me seriously when I put that on my children's birthday invitations, I choose to believe the other parents are similarly hopeful. But, since none of us like to show up empty handed to said birthday party, here are some small suggestions that have been well received by my own children and those of my friends:

1. Fun birthday cards (the ones with music are especially popular)
2. Bubbles
3. Stickers and other consumables such as markers, art paper, coloring books, etc. (things the child can use up over time)
4. Play-doh
   
5. a book (paperbacks are cheap; board books are also nice)
   

Bathtime "Business"

Well, I am trying to give my 2 yr old a bath while folding laundry, and putting another load on to dry (you know, constant multi-tasking!) In the middle of this, I hear exclaimes, "Mama, I did it!" (all proud of himself.) I turn around, and start trying to figure out what he did, when I see two nice floating "logs" (use your imagination!). That was the end of bathtime.

"No Crying Over Spilled Milk"...Happy Monday!

Playdate Calamities

Betsy called me today telling about an experience with her daughter she hadn't encountered before. She had a friend come by this morning with her kids, and during the time, Betsy's daughter became a terror (well, I don't know, I wasn't there). She didn't want to share, had a problem with them playing with her toys, and that sort of things. We have experienced this many times and have come up with some good solutions that I thought I would share:

1. Preparation: Prepare your child for a coming visit. Explain that little Johnny is coming to play and we are going to share our toys with him-he is our guest.
2. Remove: Put up any special toys that your child covets, or might could get broken. It will save a temper-tantrum later when Johnny reaches for it. Everything else is fair game-they are just toys after all and can be replaced, repaired, and meant to be played with.
3. Learn to share: The younger they are, the harder it is, but NECESSARY! With older ones, let the guest get it first for a few minutes, then make them trade. Guests can learn to share too :-). And don't allow grabbing and snatching away. If needed, put a toy up if both kids are fighting over it too much. I promise they will move on.
4. Hospitality: Never too early to teach your children hospitality. These are our guests, we treat them with respect, and they go first. If not, then they won't be able to have friends over again. Hopefully your child will be treated with the same regard when they are the guest.
5. Discipline: Don't be afraid to discipline while your guests are there. As embarrassing as it is, you still don't need to overlook offensive behavior. And make your child apologize for their behavior (if old enough.) Otherwise, how will they learn for the next time.

There are many other things too, like my child is always afraid his friends are going to take his toys home, and I have to explain (preparation) that they are just coming to play with them at our house. Or one time he tried to give away a car that our younger son played with. I stepped in an explained to our guest that it was for our other son, I'm sorry he couldn't have it. My son's friend had no problem with that, and I was the current authority. I could go on. Just remember this is a learning experience and an important part of their social development.

Laundry Triple Threat

After our birthday festivities this weekend, here's a short list of stains I treated this morning: ketchup, green and blue icing, chocolate, Cheeto crumbs, baked beans, ..... I've worked out a laundry triple threat for stains that almost always works (it doesn't work great on grease, but that's about it). ALL of the above stains came out--even from solid white shirts. Here it is: pre-treat with Stain Stick (or the gel variety). Wash clothes in warmest water they can take with good regular detergent* and a generous scoop of Oxy. Ta Da! Stains come out! Anyone else have a system they'd like to share?

My neighbor swears by a healthy pre-treatment of dish soap (worked into the stain vigorously) on grease stains; I've had moderate success with this treatment and think I just need to work the soap in a little more. Simple Green is another laundry booster, similar to Oxy, that supposedly works great. Haven't tried it yet--anyone else out there tried this one? With grass stain and popsicle stain season fast looming, we need to get our strain treatment strategies in order!

*I've been a die hard Tide user for tough stains/laundry needs, but just recently switched to the Sam's club brand (Member's Mark); the container looks the same as Tide and I believe it's their comparable product. So far, I've had great success!

Reflections on the Past Year

My twins are 1 year old today! I've been reflecting over the past week or so on what the Lord has taught me this year as I experienced my first year being a MOM (Mother of Multiples). Here's a short list:

I am NOT in Control of My Life: the Lord Is

I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me (even getting up 6 times in the middle of the night for the umpteenth night in a row)

K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple, stupid) (80% of the side dishes I've cooked this past year have been steamed broccoli and baked sweet potatoes; my boys wear mostly solid colored clothing; I did my Christmas shopping online; we eat leftovers or grilled cheese every Sunday for lunch;....)

Just Do It (Sure, meeting your friend at Chick-Fil-A is going to be an all-day endeavor, but you just gotta get out of the house sometimes; I ask for help; I take people up on their offers to help without pondering it too much, wondering if they really mean it....)

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (by this I'm referring to the truly unimportant small things: whether the clean laundry gets put up right away, what your house looks like when people come over, if you're eating leftovers three nights in a row, what someone might be thinking of your small herd, if the ironing ever gets done, if the home improvement project stays "in process" for an extra month or eight, how much dog hair your crawler might be consuming in his explorations throughout the house,....)

Life is in the Details (this refers to those glorious everyday details in your family's life--I'm learning to keep my camera handy. For instance, the delightful way one son eats with food in his mouth and in both hands--all at the same time. Or, the way my toddler comes running in, out of breath, and says, "I run so fast." Or, perhaps the twinkle that seems to show up in one twin's eyes in every picture I look at. What about remembering someone's birthday? Or, leaving a small note for my husband by the coffee maker. Savoring a trip to the grocery when I get to go without the kids. Enjoying a good book, even if it takes me longer to finish than in my previous life. My toddler's first successful pee pee in the potty!)

Life's Not Fair (I'm learning to stop comparing my life to others; I could complain because I had twins a mere 18 months after my daughter was born and there were months, before my boys could sit up, in which I physically couldn't fit all my children in one grocery cart. Or, I could look at it this way: all those other people are missing out on the cool-ness that multiples bring to your life--the way they interact with each other, the interest you garner in every public place from perfect strangers, the help that is freely offered in every store/business, the fact that my three children will never remember not having each other in their lives.)

It's All Relative (For instance, compared to this time last year, I have a smokin' hot body.)

Always Be Prepared (our diaper bag ALWAYS has, in addition to diapers and wipes, the following: animal crackers, sippy cups, extra onesies, toys, etc.)

Think Outside the Box (I do not have the time to scrapbook for my kids, so I made digital photo books for each one. I did my Christmas shopping online. Our boys slept in the living room and the hallway for the first months of their lives. We're learning to think of ALL possible solutions to any given problem/situation, no matter how unconventional.)

Sunday Morning Worship Prep., Intro

I (Betsy) have thought a lot about how to prepare for Sunday morning worship over the past few years. I mean preparation both practically speaking and personally speaking. As each new phase of life occurs (marriage, new baby, etc.), the Sunday morning routine gets tweaked. I'm going to throw some ideas out over the next few weeks that have helped my family and me get to church both on time and in a right frame of mind, but first I want to begin by sharing about our Easter Sunday morning.

Of all Sunday mornings to be prepared, Easter Sunday morning is it! So, nothing daunted, I carefully ironed all our Easter outfits ahead of time, packed the diaper bag with extra changes of clothes, planned a quick-but-substantial breakfast and had it ready ahead of time, and made sure everyone had baths/showers the day/night before. We did make it to church on time and in reasonably good moods; I even had my Sunday school lesson ready. However, Easter morning did NOT go as planned.

First, we woke up to a cold morning. I checked the forecast to see what the temperature by noon would be like. Hmmm... was going to be in the 40's until mid-afternoon. Backup (warmer) outfits were pulled out; incidentally these were the backups in the diaper bag, so now there were no backup clothes in the diaper bag in case of accidents at church. Daddy had breakfast supervision duty while I tried on several outfits, hunting for a suitable, warm Eastery outfit. Daddy fell asleep on the couch, and he woke up to the sight of our large dogs polishing off the kids' breakfast. We still have no idea how much the kids actually consumed. We finally made it to the car and to church on time; we forgot: snacks for the way home (we live 40 minutes from church, so snacks for the way home go a long way...), burp cloths for the boys for nursery (one of them threw up several times during nursery that morning), backup outfits in case the "potty trained" toddler had an accident or boys threw up/peed on themselves (one boy came home with no socks), .....

As I ran around the house that morning, fuming and fussing at everyone in my way while I tried to make everything "picture perfect," I had to remind myself of some of the things I'll be sharing with you in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned!

Hump Day=Lazy Day

Wednesday is my only lazy day right now. Well, sort of! In other words, I don't have to be anywhere by 9:00 am. Every other day, we have something we have to, or want to be at (including Saturdays right now!) I highly encourage you to take one day, or morning in our case, slow. Great to stop and reflect on how your week is going, catch up on dishes, or squeeze in that quiet time that has gone out the window. I can refresh for the rest of the busy week, and not get mad at my children because we are late going out the door. So keep that bath robe on and get lazy (or for once take a morning shower!)

Happy Hump Day! (Hump Day=middle of week, downhill from now on!)

The Struggle of Becoming "Mom"-Part 2

See Part 1

"What Would Jesus Do?"--i.e. What is the Biblical model for having children?

I know many who have struggled with what God intends for our families, and how many children we should "try" for or want to have. In my Part 1 post, I stated that I think the size of family doesn't matter as much as a Godly family does. And I said there are several Biblical examples of all types/sizes of family.

Here are a few of the biblical examples, all from the book of Genesis, and all in Christ's lineage (See Matthew 1):

The Infertile Family: Genesis 18:11, "Abraham and Sarah were already old...and Sarah was past the age of childbearing." Yet, we know God had plans for Abraham, the "father of nations". He and Sarah bore one important son, Isaac. And Isaac was their one and only too (Gen. 22:2), not counting Hagaar's son, Ishmael.

Twins: Now, interestingly, Rebekah was barren. Isaac prayed on her behalf (Gen. 25: 21). And in Gen. 25:24 she had twin boys. I could not find any other mention of more children.

The Large Family: Jacob, we know had 12 sons (Gen 35:23). Six of them, and 1 daughter came from Leah--that's 7 children for Leah. And we know the 12 sons were to become the 12 tribes of Israel, and also his son Judah is in Christ's lineage.

The Adopted Child: Also, interestingly, adoption plays a HUGE role in the history of the Israelites. Moses is adopted by Pharaoh's wife (Exodus 2:10), which means Moses' mother was willing to give him away to another. God orchestrated it so the Israelites would be set free from Egypt. Moses is from the tribe of Levi...the tribe of Judah is where Christ's lineage comes from, but the Levites were the ones who upheld the Old Testament Law.

Miscarriages: There are not really any miscarriages recorded, although there were children that died (i.e. Bathsheba's first son from David died.) But that doesn't mean they didn't happened. They just may not have been recorded. Many of the infertile women may have had miscarriages. With no living children, they were considered barren.

What does all this mean? Well, the point I would like to make is this: All types of families were present in the Bible. These in particular had a special significance to the birth of Christ. It didn't matter that they had 1 child, many children, or an adopted child. They each trusted God, and their children were used for mighty things. So for us today, does that mean we should have one child or many or none. I think the answer lies in what God is leading you to do. He has shown he doesn't have to have a large army to work his plan, he needs those that are faithful and willing to follow. And he will in turn show you the right course for your family.

Going Green, part 1: The Blue Towel

For the first "Going Green" post, click here.
This post is dedicated to my in-law's for their example in the 3R's, and for introducing me to the wonderful blue towel! (They also keep me well-stocked with said blue towel.)

The blue towel to which I refer is none other than the humble, ubiquitous blue towel used in hospitals. For some reason, like the little striped newborn blankets, they are the same in every hospital. The only difference, I've been told, is that they're white in the cardiac wings of hospitals. This towel, for those who may never have seen one in person, is about the size of an ordinary dish towel, is coarsely woven cotton--also like many dish towels, and is cobalt blue. Conveniently, they're my favorite color.

But the charms and uses of the blue towel go far, far beyond its nice color. How do I, a stay-at-home mom, come by bags and bags of blue towels that can be used for any number of occasions? My father-in-law is a nurse anesthetist. Therefore, he is in surgery all day at his hospital. When the nurses open a box of these blue towels (they come 10 to a box), the unused towels must be discarded since they are no longer sterile. My father-in-law takes the unused ones home, thus practicing the 3R's in one simple act: reducing trash, reusing the towels in another way, and recycling these towels in a sense because they get used over and over and over again. You may not have access to blue towels, but surely you have some old hand or dish towels lying around. Consider using them instead of paper towels or other wasteful products for some of the following we've discovered: (we do throw away blue towels when they get nasty--they've still been used for more than they would have been had they been thrown away unused).

• drying dishes
• hand towels in kitchen
• prep towels to wipe your hands on during food prep
• cleaning up spills
• cleaning up vomit
• cleaning up pee (when you're potty training a child, you clean this up a lot!)
• cleaning up wet paint
• cleaning dirty animals (dogs when they come in from the rain)
• cleaning baseboards
  
• cleaning windowsills
• cleaning tops of door frames
• cleaning cabinet surfaces
• spare towels in your car (in case your children or car need some clean up)
• oil rags when checking car's oil
• work shop rags
• burp cloths
• "warmers"--wrapped around dishes to keep them warm in transit
• "insulators"--wrapped around frozen food to keep them cool in transit
• "cloth" napkins--yes, we've even done this!
• folded up under faucets that leak
• the list could go on and on and on.....
  

Freedom to Eat Junk Food!

I (Betsy) try really hard to feed my family healthy, inexpensive meals. This is often a big challenge because inexpensive usually means more work (chopping vegetables instead of buying pre-chopped, etc.), healthy stuff is often more expensive than junk food (mac and cheese is awfully cheap!), and my children, like their peers, often prefer salty, sugary food over a healthy alternative. So, planning my weekly menus can take forever as I try to figure out what everyone will eat, what's healthy/nutritious, and what is most affordable given that week's sale.

Here's a solution that has helped me tremendously for lunch time options that I'm expanding now for dinner and breakfast: one meal a week is junk food. I plan it that way! I've been doing that for lunch since I first got pregnant with my twins. For the duration of that pregnancy, my toddler and I had mac and cheese every Friday. Sometimes we threw in a side course of fruit, sometimes not. Why does that help? For some reason, it's much easier to "be strong" the rest of the week if I know there's a free day coming up (dieters often use this strategy, allowing themselves to eat dessert one day a week). Mentally, I know one meal is taken care of, is easy, something I don't have to think about. This also helps me resist swinging through various drive thrus if I'm out running errands with the kids. My hope is that the same principle will help us, at dinner, avoid ordering pizza or getting takeout from the local cheap Chinese place quite as often. After all, we'll still be coming out ahead in the cost category even if we're not doing any better nutritionally at home.

So, I'm expanding junk food to include one breakfast and one dinner a week. I'll be posting some easy recipes/meal ideas in the coming days on full tummies, so check it out if you're interested. We'll no doubt be eating our junk food dinner on Saturday nights since that's generally the day my husband and I have been working in the yard or perhaps gone out with the kids--a day when I don't have as much time in the kitchen. In addition to hot dogs, corndogs, fish sticks, pb&j, and grilled cheese, there are lots of other options that feel a little more like a real meal, but are really no more effort. Homemade hot pockets, anyone?

I'll also be posting some sandwich/wrap ideas; these can be quite healthy, but often feel more relaxed than a "meat and three" meal. Perfect for those nice, warm days when you just want to pack up a meal and head to the park for a picnic (or eat on your screened in porch!).